What We Offer

• Comprehensive Review: Our expert advisors will conduct a detailed review of your background and qualifications to tailor the consultation to your needs.
• Guidance on PA School Application Process: Understand the requirements and expectations of PA programs in the U.S. and receive personalized advice.
• Identify and Strengthen Weak Areas: Our advisors will help you pinpoint areas of weakness and provide actionable suggestions to enhance your application.
• Support for International Students: Navigate the complexities of being an international student with our resources and support.

Meet Our International Pre-PA Consultant: Shynar Johnson

Shynar, an international medical graduate from Kazakhstan, has a unique insight into the IMG application process. With a rich background in medicine and current enrollment as a PA student at East Carolina University, she’s the perfect guide for your journey.

How to Get Started

1. Schedule your 1-hour Zoom consultation through our secure payment gateway.
2. Complete a brief questionnaire (~15 minutes) to provide additional information for your tailored session.
3. Join the Zoom meeting with the provided ID, link, and calendar invite.

Book Your Appointment Today!

Don’t let your dreams be confined by borders. Our goal is to help you gain acceptance into a PA program and achieve your dream of becoming a PA in the United States. Book your appointment today and take the first step towards a fulfilling career.

With our International Pre-PA Applicant Consultation Service, your success is within reach. We’re here to support you every step of the way. Feel free to reach out with any questions or concerns.

Wishing you all the best on your journey,

Stephen Pasquini PA-C

The post Introducing the International Pre-PA Applicant Consultation Service: Your Gateway to Success in the U.S. 🌐 appeared first on PA School Finder: Physician Assistant Program Directory.

As a future Physician Assistant/Associate (PA), one crucial factor that may be a part of your PA school decision-making process is class size.

Large PA class (> 50 students) or small PA class (< 50 students), you find yourself contemplating which environment will be most conducive to your learning. This question, however, may not have a clear-cut answer, as the “best” class size often varies depending on individual learning preferences and styles.

I attended the Rutgers University PA program, where our class comprised around 40 students. In retrospect, the relatively small class size had a positive impact on my PA school journey. We were a close-knit group, akin to a family, right from the start. The camaraderie, support, and shared experiences fostered by our small class size played a pivotal role in shaping my development as a PA.

So, this leads us back to the original question, “Does class size really matter?”

From my personal experience, I believe it does, but the importance and implications may not be as straightforward as you might think.

The Impact of Class Size: The Bigger Picture

A larger class size in a PA program can be both a challenge and an opportunity. On one hand, it could mean less personalized attention from faculty, making it a less suitable environment for those who learn best through direct interaction. However, it also offers a unique set of benefits:

1. Diversity of Experiences: Larger classes often draw students from a wide range of backgrounds. This diversity can enrich your learning experience, providing various perspectives on patient care and the field of medicine.
2. Networking Opportunities: The larger your class size, the more extensive your network of future PAs. This can potentially lead to more job opportunities and collaborations in your professional future.
3. Alumni Network: After graduation, a larger class translates into a broader alumni network. This network can be a valuable resource throughout your career, providing professional connections and opportunities.

The Value of Small Class Sizes: The Personal Touch

Smaller class sizes, on the other hand, tend to offer more individualized attention and direct interaction with faculty members, making them an attractive option for those who prefer a close-knit learning environment. The benefits of a smaller class include:

1. Personalized Attention: In smaller classes, faculty can provide more individualized guidance and mentoring. This is beneficial for those who thrive under direct instruction and guidance.
2. Close-Knit Community: Smaller classes often foster a sense of community among students. This camaraderie can be a source of emotional and academic support throughout the rigorous PA program.
3. Active Participation: With fewer students, you’ll likely have more opportunities to participate in class discussions, ask questions, and engage with the material.

The Research on Class Size and Achievement

When contemplating the impact of class size on the learning experience and outcomes, it’s also essential to consider empirical evidence. Various studies have investigated the impact of class size on graduate student performance and retention.

• The Effects of Class Size on Student Performance and Retention at Binghamton University (1997) found that increasing class size had a negative effect on student achievement, with students in smaller classes being more likely to receive A’s and less likely to drop out.
• Class Size and Student Performance in a Team-Based Learning Course (2014) found that active learning pedagogies, which are more student-centered, were more effective in smaller class sizes.
• Does Class Size Really Matter? A Chalkbeat Look at the Research (2022) reviewed the research on class size and found that students often do better in smaller classes, but there is no clear consensus on the optimal class size.

These studies suggest that smaller class sizes can have a positive impact on student performance in graduate school. However, there are many more factors that also play a role in PA student success

Choosing What Works for You

The choice between larger and smaller class sizes ultimately boils down to your personal preferences and learning style.

If you’re comfortable in larger, more diverse settings and value a larger professional network, a program with larger class sizes may be beneficial. On the other hand, if you appreciate a more intimate learning environment with more one-on-one interactions, a smaller class size may be the best fit for you.

Remember, however, that class size is just one of many factors to consider when choosing a PA program. It’s equally important to consider the program’s curriculum, faculty, location, tuition, and the opportunities it offers for hands-on experience.

In the end, the ‘right’ PA program for you is the one that aligns best with your goals, values, and learning style. It will offer a blend of solid academics, hands-on experience, supportive faculty, and a learning environment that feels just like home.

Don’t get too caught up in the numbers game – look beyond the numbers to understand what each program truly offers.

Stephen Pasquini PA-C

The post Choosing a PA School: Why Class Size Matters appeared first on PA School Finder: Physician Assistant Program Directory.

The demand for PAs is growing rapidly, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting a 31% job growth rate between 2019 and 2029. However, not all PA programs are created equal, and it is crucial for aspiring PAs to carefully research and select a program that meets their needs and has a solid reputation.

In 2023, there are several PA programs with provisional accreditation status, which means that they are still in the process of meeting accreditation standards.

What is provisional accreditation status?

Provisional accreditation status is granted to a PA program that has not yet met all of the accreditation standards set forth by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA).

This status is granted to programs that have demonstrated the potential to meet these standards but need more time to implement changes or gather data to demonstrate compliance.

It is important to note that provisional accreditation status does not necessarily mean that a program is of poor quality but rather that it is in the process of improving.

Which PA programs have provisional accreditation status in 2023?

As of 2023, there are approximately 80 PA programs with provisional accreditation status. These programs are linked below, listed on the ARC-PA website, and are subject to change.

• A.T. Still University of Health Sciences (Central Coast) Physician Assistant Program
• Ashland University Physician Assistant Program
• Brenau University Physician Assistant Program
• California State University – Monterey Bay Physician Assistant Program
• Canisius College Physician Assistant Program
• Carlow University Physician Assistant Program
• Cedarville University PA Program
• Chamberlain University Physician Assistant Program
• College of Mount Saint Vincent Physician Assistant Program
• Colorado Mesa University Physician Assistant Program
• Concordia University-Ann Arbor Physician Assistant Program
• Creighton University – Omaha PA Program
• Delaware Valley University Physician Assistant Program
• Elizabethtown College Physician Assistant Program
• Fairleigh Dickinson University Physician Assistant Program
• Faulkner University Physician Assistant Program
• Franklin College Physician Assistant Program
• Frostburg State University Physician Assistant Program
• Gannon University-Ruskin Physician Assistant Program
• George Fox University Physician Assistant Program
• Hardin-Simmons University Physician Assistant Program
• Heritage University Physician Assistant Program
• Ithaca College Physician Assistant Program (Arizona)
• Kansas State University Physician Assistant Program
• Kean University Physician Assistant Program
• Keck Graduate Institute Physician Assistant Program (Arizona)
• Lawrence Technological University Physician Assistant Program
• Lincoln Memorial University-Knoxville Physician Assistant Program
• Lipscomb University Physician Assistant Program
• Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine Physician Assistant Program
• Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences Physician Assistant Program
• Meharry Medical College Physician Assistant Program
• Mercy College of Ohio Physician Assistant Program
• Miami University-Ohio Physician Assistant Program
• Michigan State University Physician Assistant Program
• Middle Tennessee State University Physician Assistant Program
• Mississippi State University – Meridian Physician Assistant Program
• Morehouse School of Medicine Physician Assistant Program
• North Central College Physician Assistant Program
• Northeastern State University Physician Assistant Program
• Northwestern College Physician Assistant Program
• Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences Physician Assistant Program
• Pace University – Pleasantville Physician Assistant Program
• Pfeiffer University Physician Assistant Program
• Point Loma Nazarene University Physician Assistant Program
• Presbyterian University Physician Assistant Program
• Randolph-Macon College Physician Assistant Program
• Rocky Vista University Physician Assistant Program
• Saint Elizabeth Physician Assistant Program
• Saint Joseph’s University (Univ. of the Sciences) Physician Assistant Program
• Samford University School of Health Professions Physician Assistant Program
• South College – Nashville Physician Assistant Program
• South College – Asheville Physician Assistant Program
• South University-Austin, TX Physician Assistant Program
• South University-West Palm Beach Physician Assistant Program
• St. Bonaventure University Physician Assistant Program
• Thiel College Physician Assistant Program
• Touro College-Illinois Physician Assistant Program
• Trine University Physician Assistant Program
• University of La Verne Physician Assistant Program
• University of Mary Hardin Baylor Physician Assistant Program
• University of Maryland Eastern Shore Physician Assistant Program
• University of Michigan-Flint Physician Assistant Program
• University of Nevada Reno Physician Assistant Program
• University of Pittsburgh – Hybrid Program Physician Assistant Program
• University of Tampa Physician Assistant Program
• University of the Cumberlands-Florence Physician Assistant Program
• Ursuline College Physician Assistant Program
• Utah Valley University Physician Assistant Program
• Weber State University Physician Assistant Program
• West Chester University Physician Assistant Program
• West Coast University – California Physician Assistant Program
• West Coast University-Texas Physician Assistant Program
• West Virginia University School of Medicine Physician Assistant Program
• Xavier University of Louisiana Physician Assistant Program
• Yale School of Medicine Physician Assistant Online Program Physician Assistant Program
• Yeshiva University Physician Assistant Program

It is important to note that while these programs currently have provisional accreditation status, they are actively working towards full accreditation.

What should aspiring PAs consider when evaluating programs with provisional accreditation status?

Aspiring PAs who are considering programs with provisional accreditation status should carefully evaluate the program’s plan for achieving full accreditation. This may include reviewing the program’s self-study report, meeting with program faculty and staff, and examining the program’s curriculum, facilities, and resources. Additionally, it may be beneficial to speak with current students or alumni of the program to gain insight into their experiences.

It is important to note that graduating from a program with provisional accreditation status may impact a graduate’s ability to obtain licensure in some states or employment in certain healthcare settings. As such, it is crucial for aspiring PAs to carefully consider the potential risks and benefits of attending a program with provisional accreditation status.

Summary

In conclusion, physician assistant programs with provisional accreditation status are in the process of meeting accreditation standards but have not yet fully met these requirements.

Aspiring PAs should carefully evaluate these programs, considering factors such as the program’s plan for achieving full accreditation, the curriculum and resources offered, and the potential impact on licensure and employment opportunities.

With careful consideration, aspiring PAs can select a program that meets their needs and sets them on the path to a successful career in healthcare.

The post PA Programs With Provisional Accreditation Status in 2023 appeared first on PA School Finder: Physician Assistant Program Directory.

Although I agree that five-year PANCE pass rates reflect well on a PA program, I don’t believe they should be the most important part of your PA school decision matrices.

Many factors can affect a PA programs PANCE pass rates, and low PANCE pass rates over a couple of years can negatively impact reported 5-year PANCE pass rates. They may not represent the program’s overall strength, its faculty, or the student body.

Since 1998 US News has been publishing the only known ranking of PA programs based on subjective peer assessment surveys of PA program faculty. There are several limitations to this ranking system, not to mention US News only ranks about 64% of PA programs leaving many excellent PA schools out of the mix.

Now that you know this, let’s look at the PA programs with a 100% five-year PANCE pass rate. Just remember it is only one factor in evaluating potential PA schools and should not be the “end all be all” when choosing or evaluating which PA program(s) to apply to.

Physician Assistant Programs With a 100% PANCE Pass Rate

1. Baldwin Wallace University Physician Assistant Program
2. The University of Texas – HS Center at San Antonio Physician Assistant Program
3. UT Southwestern Physician Assistant Program
4. Arcadia University Physician Assistant Program – Pennsylvania
5. University of Wisconsin – La Crosse Physician Assistant Program
6. University Of Oklahoma, Tulsa Physician Assistant Program
7. University of Iowa Physician Assistant Program
8. Tufts University School of Medicine Physician Assistant Program
9. Penn State University Physician Assistant Program
10. Marshall B. Ketchum University Physician Assistant Program
11. Marquette University Physician Assistant Program
12. Lake Erie College Physician Assistant Program
13. Eastern Michigan University Physician Assistant Program
14. East Carolina University Physician Assistant Program
15. Boston University Physician Assistant Program
16. Arcadia University Physician Assistant Program – Delaware
17. Murphy Deming College of Health Sciences

Use this link for a comprehensive breakdown of PA programs sorted by PANCE pass rates including all PA programs with PANCE pass rates > 95%.

For a detailed article looking at how PA programs are ranked in the United States check out our article on the PA Life – PA School Ranking by PANCE Pass Rates.

The post PA Programs with a 100% 5-Year PANCE Pass Rate appeared first on PA School Finder: Physician Assistant Program Directory.

The average increase in nonresident PA school tuition over the last five years was 3.5%, whereas resident PA school tuition rose by 5.33%, and it appears there is no end in sight.

The only good news is that physician assistant salaries have increased 3-5 x more than the PA school tuition cost, with an average wage increase of 15.0% in the last six years.

Regardless, finding an inexpensive graduate PA program will help keep costs down and debt low, allowing you more freedom and flexibility well into your retirement years.

With the average undergraduate education debt before PA school at $36,300 and the average anticipated debt load from PA school at $112,500, cutting your costs can be profound. Beyond the scope of this article, one must not forget about the myriad of loans and repayment programs available to PA students. I myself was a National Health Service Corps Scholar, which profoundly affected my finances and where I choose to practice as a PA.

The Cheapest Physician Assistant Programs

Here are the most inexpensive PA programs in the country with resident tuition less than $50,000.

1. Augusta University Physician Assistant Program
2. CUNY York College Physician Assistant Program
3. East Carolina University Physician Assistant Program
4. Indiana State University Physician Assistant Program
5. Louisiana State University-Shreveport Physician Assistant Program
6. Miami-Dade College Physician Assistant Program
7. Missouri State University Physician Assistant Program
8. Northeastern State University Physician Assistant Program
9. Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences Physician Assistant Program
10. Pennsylvania College of Technology Physician Assistant Program
11. Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center Physician Assistant Program
12. Towson University CCBC Essex – Essex Physician Assistant Program
13. University of Arkansas Physician Assistant Program
14. University of Iowa Physician Assistant Program
15. University of Nebraska Medical Center-Kearney Physician Assistant Program
16. University of Nebraska Medical Center-Omaha Physician Assistant Program
17. University of North Dakota Physician Assistant Program
18. University of North Texas Health Science Center-Fort Worth Physician Assistant Program
19. University of Oklahoma-Oklahoma City Physician Assistant Program
20. University of Oklahoma-Tulsa Physician Assistant Program
21. University of South Dakota Physician Assistant Program
22. University of Tennessee Health Science Center-Memphis Physician Assistant Program
23. University of Texas Health Science Center-San Antonio Physician Assistant Program
24. University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston Physician Assistant Program
25. University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Physician Assistant Program
26. University of Wisconsin-La Crosse Physician Assistant Program
27. UT Southwestern School of Health Professions Physician Assistant Program
28. Wayne State University Physician Assistant Program
29. Wichita State University Physician Assistant Program

The post Here are the Cheapest Physician Assistant Programs appeared first on PA School Finder: Physician Assistant Program Directory.

The size of your class may also affect your clinical years with larger class sizes negatively impacting your choice of rotation sites are and how much 1:1 time you get with a preceptor.

The average PA school class size is just over 40 students, but there are smaller PA programs that only take about 20 students per year. While the student-to-faculty ratio may be similar across the board, consider whether or not you’d prefer to have a larger class or a smaller one.

• There are 203 PA schools with class sizes of less than 50 students
• There are 88 PA schools with class sizes of more than 50 students

PA Programs With Small Class Sizes (Less Than 50 Students)

1. AdventHealth University Sciences Physician Assistant (PA) Program
2. Assumption University Physician Assistant Program
3. Augusta University Physician Assistant Program
4. Baldwin Wallace University Physician Assistant Program
5. Barry University-St. Petersburg Physician Assistant Program
6. Bay Path University Physician Assistant Program
7. Baylor College of Medicine Physician Assistant Program
8. Bethel University-Minnesota Physician Assistant Program
9. Boston University School of Medicine Physician Assistant Program
10. Bryant University Physician Assistant Program
11. California Baptist University Physician Assistant Program
12. California State University – Monterey Bay Physician Assistant Program
13. Canisius College Physician Assistant Program
14. Carroll University Physician Assistant Program
15. Case Western Reserve University Physician Assistant Program
16. Central Michigan University Physician Assistant Program
17. Charles R. Drew University Physician Assistant Program
18. Charleston Southern University Physician Assistant Program
19. Christian Brothers University Physician Assistant Program
20. Clarkson University Physician Assistant Program
21. College of Saint Mary Physician Assistant Program
22. College of Saint Scholastica Physician Assistant Program
23. Colorado Mesa University Physician Assistant Program
24. Concordia University – Ann Arbor
25. Concordia University – Wisconsin
26. Concordia University-Ann Arbor Physician Assistant Program
27. Cornell University Physician Assistant Program
28. Creighton University PA Program
29. CUNY York College Physician Assistant Program
30. D’youville College Physician Assistant Program
31. Dominican University of California Physician Assistant Program
32. Dominican University of Illinois Physician Assistant Program
33. Duquesne University Physician Assistant Program
34. East Carolina University Physician Assistant Program
35. Elizabethtown College
36. Elon University Physician Assistant Program
37. Emory & Henry College Physician Assistant Program
38. Emory University Physician Assistant Program
39. Fairleigh Dickinson University Physician Assistant Program
40. Faulkner University Physician Assistant Program
41. Florida Gulf Coast University Physician Assistant Program
42. Florida International University Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine Physician Assistant Program
43. Francis Marion University Physician Assistant Program
44. Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University Physician Assistant Program
45. Franklin College Physician Assistant Program
46. Franklin Pierce University Physician Assistant Program
47. Frostburg State University Physician Assistant Program
48. Gardner Webb University Physician Assistant Program
49. George Fox University Physician Assistant Program
50. Grand Valley State University-Grand Rapids Physician Assistant Program
51. Grand Valley State University-Traverse City Physician Assistant Program
52. Hardin-Simmons University Physician Assistant Program
53. Harding University Physician Assistant Program
54. Heritage University Physician Assistant Program
55. High Point University Physician Assistant Program
56. Idaho State University-Caldwell Physician Assistant Program
57. Idaho State University-Meridian Physician Assistant Program
58. Idaho State University-Pocatello Physician Assistant Program
59. Indiana State University Physician Assistant Program
60. Indiana University School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences Physician Assistant Program
61. James Madison University Physician Assistant Program
62. Jefferson University-Center City Physician Assistant Program
63. Jefferson University-New Jersey Physician Assistant Program
64. Johnson & Wales University Physician Assistant Program
65. Kansas State University Physician Assistant Program
66. Kean University Physician Assistant Program
67. Keiser University Physician Assistant Program
68. Lake Erie College Physician Assistant Program
69. Lenoir-Rhyne University Physician Assistant Program
70. Lock Haven University Physician Assistant Program
71. Lock Haven University-Clearfield Physician Assistant Program
72. Lock Haven University-Coudersport Physician Assistant Program
73. Lock Haven University-Harrisburg Physician Assistant Program
74. Loma Linda University Physician Assistant Program
75. Long Island University Physician Assistant Program
76. Louisiana State University-New Orleans Physician Assistant Program
77. Louisiana State University-Shreveport Physician Assistant Program
78. Marietta University Physician Assistant Program
79. Marshall B. Ketchum University Physician Assistant Program
80. Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine Physician Assistant Program
81. Mary Baldwin University (Murphy Deming College of Health Sciences) PA Program
82. Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences Physician Assistant Program
83. Mercy College of Ohio Physician Assistant Program
84. Mercyhurst University Physician Assistant Program
85. Methodist University Physician Assistant Program
86. MGH Institute of Health Professions Physician Assistant Program
87. Michigan State University Physician Assistant Program
88. Milligan College Physician Assistant Program
89. Misericordia University Physician Assistant Program
90. Mississippi College Physician Assistant Program
91. Mississippi State University – Meridian Physician Assistant Program
92. Missouri State University Physician Assistant Program
93. Monmouth University Physician Assistant Program
94. Morehouse School of Medicine Physician Assistant Program
95. Mount St. Joseph University Physician Assistant Program
96. North Greenville University Physician Assistant Program
97. Northeastern State University Physician Assistant Program
98. Northeastern University Physician Assistant Program
99. Northwestern College Physician Assistant Program
100. Northwestern University Physician Assistant Program
101. Ohio University Physician Assistant Program
102. Oklahoma City University Physician Assistant Program
103. Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences Physician Assistant Program
104. Oregon Health & Science University Physician Assistant Program
105. Pace University – Pleasantville Physician Assistant Program
106. Penn State University Physician Assistant Program
107. Pennsylvania College of Technology Physician Assistant Program
108. Pfeiffer University Physician Assistant Program
109. Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine-Georgia Physician Assistant Program
110. Point Loma Nazarene University Physician Assistant Program
111. Presbyterian University Physician Assistant Program
112. Radford University Physician Assistant Program
113. Red Rocks Community College Physician Assistant Program
114. Rochester Institute of Technology Physician Assistant Program
115. Rocky Mountain College Physician Assistant Program
116. Rocky Vista University Physician Assistant Program
117. Rush University Physician Assistant Program
118. Sacred Heart University Physician Assistant Program
119. Saint Catherine University Physician Assistant Program
120. Saint Louis University Physician Assistant Program
121. Samford University School of Health Professions Physician Assistant Program
122. Samuel Merritt University Physician Assistant Program
123. San Juan Bautista School of Medicine Physician Assistant Program
124. Shenandoah University Physician Assistant Program
125. Shenandoah University-Leesburg Physician Assistant Program
126. South College – Nashville Physician Assistant Program
127. South College-Atlanta Physician Assistant Program
128. South University – Richmond, Virginia Physician Assistant Program
129. South University, Tampa Physician Assistant Program
130. South University, West Palm Beach Physician Assistant Program
131. Southern Illinois University Physician Assistant Program
132. Springfield College Physician Assistant Program
133. St. Ambrose University Physician Assistant Program
134. Stanford University Physician Assistant Program
135. Stephens College Physician Assistant Program
136. Sullivan University Physician Assistant Program
137. SUNY Downstate Medical Center Physician Assistant Program
138. SUNY Upstate Medical Center Physician Assistant Program
139. Temple University Lewis Katz School of Medicine Physician Assistant Program
140. The CUNY School of Medicine Physician Assistant Program
141. Theil College Physician Assistant Program
142. Touro University-California Physician Assistant Program
143. Touro University-Manhattan Physician Assistant Program
144. Touro University-Nevada Physician Assistant Program
145. Towson University CCBC Essex – Essex Physician Assistant Program
146. Trine University Physician Assistant Program
147. Union College Physician Assistant Program
148. University of Arkansas Physician Assistant Program
149. University of Bridgeport Physician Assistant Program
150. University of Charleston Physician Assistant Program
151. University of Colorado Physician Assistant Program
152. University of Dayton Physician Assistant Program
153. University of Detroit/Mercy Physician Assistant Program
154. University of Dubuque Physician Assistant Program
155. University of Evansville Physician Assistant Program
156. University of Findlay Physician Assistant Program
157. University of Kentucky-Lexington Physician Assistant Program
158. University of Kentucky-Morehead Physician Assistant Program
159. University of La Verne Physician Assistant Program
160. University of Lynchburg
161. University of Mary Hardin Baylor Physician Assistant Program
162. University of Maryland Eastern Shore Physician Assistant Program
163. University of Missouri-Kansas City Physician Assistant Program
164. University of Mount Union Physician Assistant Program
165. University of Nebraska Medical Center-Kearney Physician Assistant Program
166. University of Nevada Reno Physician Assistant Program
167. University of New Mexico Physician Assistant Program
168. University of North Carolina Physician Assistant Program
169. University of North Dakota Physician Assistant Program
170. University of Oklahoma-Tulsa Physician Assistant Program
171. University of Pittsburgh Physician Assistant Program
172. University of Saint Francis-Indiana Physician Assistant Program
173. University of Saint Joseph Physician Assistant Program
174. University of South Alabama Physician Assistant Program
175. University of South Carolina School of Medicine Physician Assistant Program
176. University of South Dakota Physician Assistant Program
177. University of St. Francis-New Mexico Physician Assistant Program
178. University of Tampa Physician Assistant Program
179. University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Physician Assistant Program
180. University of Tennessee Health Science Center-Memphis Physician Assistant Program
181. University of Texas Health Science Center-San Antonio Physician Assistant Program
182. University of the Cumberlands-Florence Physician Assistant Program
183. University of the Cumberlands-Williamsburg Physician Assistant Program
184. University of the Pacific Physician Assistant Program
185. University of Toledo Physician Assistant Program
186. University of Utah-St. George Physician Assistant Program
187. University of Washington-Medex Northwest-Anchorage Physician Assistant Program
188. University of Washington-Medex Northwest-Tacoma Physician Assistant Program
189. University of Wisconsin-La Crosse Physician Assistant Program
190. Utah Valley University Physician Assistant Program
191. Valparaiso University Physician Assistant Program
192. Wagner College Physician Assistant Program
193. Wake Forest University-Boone Physician Assistant Program
194. West Chester University Physician Assistant Program
195. West Liberty University Physician Assistant Program
196. West Virginia University School of Medicine Physician Assistant Program
197. Western Michigan University Physician Assistant Program
198. Wichita State University Physician Assistant Program
199. Wingate University Physician Assistant Program
200. Wingate University-Hendersonville Physician Assistant Program
201. Xavier University of Louisiana Physician Assistant Program
202. Yale School of Medicine Physician Assistant Online Program Physician Assistant Program
203. Yale University School of Medicine Physician Associate Program

Follow this link to see a full breakdown of PA programs sorted by class size.

What do you think? Is class size an important factor in choosing the right PA school?

The post PA Programs With Small Class Sizes (Less Than 50 Students) appeared first on PA School Finder: Physician Assistant Program Directory.

44 PA programs require PA shadowing hours as part of your CASPA application.

For applicants who have little (or no) physician assistant shadowing hours, there are 91 PA programs have set their PA shadowing requirement as not required, and two US physician assistant programs who have no specified requirements.

PA Programs That Don’t Require Shadowing Hours

1. Anne Arundel Community College Physician Assistant Program
2. Assumption University Physician Assistant Program
3. Barry University-Miami Physician Assistant Program
4. Barry University-St. Petersburg Physician Assistant Program
5. Baylor College of Medicine Physician Assistant Program
6. Boston University School of Medicine Physician Assistant Program
7. Brenau University Physician Assistant Program
8. Bryant University Physician Assistant Program
9. Butler University Physician Assistant Program
10. Canisius College Physician Assistant Program
11. Carlow University Physician Assistant Program
12. Case Western Reserve University Physician Assistant Program
13. Central Michigan University Physician Assistant Program
14. Christian Brothers University Physician Assistant Program
15. College of Saint Mary Physician Assistant Program
16. D’youville College Physician Assistant Program
17. Elizabethtown College
18. Fairleigh Dickinson University Physician Assistant Program
19. Faulkner University Physician Assistant Program
20. Gannon University Physician Assistant Program
21. Gannon University-Ruskin Physician Assistant Program
22. Gardner Webb University Physician Assistant Program
23. George Washington University Physician Assistant Program
24. Indiana State University Physician Assistant Program
25. James Madison University Physician Assistant Program
26. Marietta University Physician Assistant Program
27. Marist College Physician Assistant Program
28. Marshall B. Ketchum University Physician Assistant Program
29. MCPHS University- Boston Physician Assistant Program
30. Mercy College Physician Assistant Program
31. Mercyhurst University Physician Assistant Program
32. Methodist University Physician Assistant Program
33. Michigan State University Physician Assistant Program
34. Midwestern University-Glendale Physician Assistant Program
35. Misericordia University Physician Assistant Program
36. Monmouth University Physician Assistant Program
37. Morehouse School of Medicine Physician Assistant Program
38. Northeastern State University Physician Assistant Program
39. Northern Arizona University Physician Assistant Program
40. Northwestern College Physician Assistant Program
41. Nova Southeastern University Physician Assistant Program, Jacksonville
42. Nova Southeastern University-Fort Lauderdale Physician Assistant Program
43. Nova Southeastern University-Orlando Physician Assistant Program
44. Ohio University Physician Assistant Program
45. Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences Physician Assistant Program
46. Pace University-Lenox Hill Hospital Physician Assistant Program
47. Pacific University Physician Assistant Program
48. Penn State University Physician Assistant Program
49. Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine Physician Assistant Program
50. Point Loma Nazarene University Physician Assistant Program
51. Quinnipiac University Physician Assistant Program
52. Radford University Physician Assistant Program
53. Red Rocks Community College Physician Assistant Program
54. Rocky Vista University Physician Assistant Program
55. Rush University Physician Assistant Program
56. Sacred Heart University Physician Assistant Program
57. Saint Catherine University Physician Assistant Program
58. Salus University Physician Assistant Program
59. Slippery Rock University Physician Assistant Program
60. South University, Tampa Physician Assistant Program
61. South University, West Palm Beach Physician Assistant Program
62. Southern California University of Health Sciences Physician Assistant Program
63. St. Ambrose University Physician Assistant Program
64. St. John’s University Physician Assistant Program
65. Stanford University Physician Assistant Program
66. Stony Brook University Physician Assistant Program
67. The CUNY School of Medicine Physician Assistant Program
68. Touro University-Nevada Physician Assistant Program
69. Towson University CCBC Essex – Essex Physician Assistant Program
70. University of Bridgeport Physician Assistant Program
71. University of California-Davis Physician Assistant Program
72. University of Colorado Physician Assistant Program
73. University of Iowa Physician Assistant Program
74. University of Michigan-Flint Physician Assistant Program
75. University of North Carolina Physician Assistant Program
76. University of North Dakota Physician Assistant Program
77. University of Oklahoma-Tulsa Physician Assistant Program
78. University of Saint Francis-Indiana Physician Assistant Program
79. University of St. Francis-New Mexico Physician Assistant Program
80. University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Physician Assistant Program
81. University of the Cumberlands-Florence Physician Assistant Program
82. University of Toledo Physician Assistant Program
83. University of Wisconsin-La Crosse Physician Assistant Program
84. University of Wisconsin-Madison Physician Assistant Program
85. Valparaiso University Physician Assistant Program
86. Wagner College Physician Assistant Program
87. Wayne State University Physician Assistant Program
88. West Virginia University School of Medicine Physician Assistant Program
89. Western Michigan University Physician Assistant Program
90. Wingate University Physician Assistant Program
91. Wingate University-Hendersonville Physician Assistant Program

Follow this link to see a full breakdown of PA programs sorted by PA shadowing requirements.

For a more detailed analysis of PA school shadowing requirements and tips, read my post on my companion website: Finding a Physician Assistant Mentor: The Foolproof PA Shadowing Guide.

The post PA Programs With Physician Assistant Shadowing Not Required appeared first on PA School Finder: Physician Assistant Program Directory.

68 PA programs require more than 1000 hours of healthcare experience.

For applicants who have little (or no) patient care experience, there are  96 PA programs have set their healthcare experience requirement as “recommended/preferred” and eight US physician assistant programs who do not require healthcare experience hours.

PA Programs That Don’t Require Healthcare Experience Hours

1. Baylor College of Medicine Physician Assistant Program
2. Duquesne University Physician Assistant Program
3. Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine Physician Assistant Program
4. Mary Baldwin College Physician Assistant Program
5. Northeastern State University Physician Assistant Program
6. Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences Physician Assistant Program
7. University of Toledo Physician Assistant Program
8. Valparaiso University Physician Assistant Program

Follow this link to see a full breakdown of PA programs sorted by healthcare experience requirements.

For a more detailed analysis of PA school, healthcare experience requirements read my post Healthcare Experience Required for PA School: The Ultimate Guide.

The post PA Programs That Don’t Require Healthcare Experience appeared first on PA School Finder: Physician Assistant Program Directory.

Are all the “accepted” blog posts of attractive PA school applicants with 3.9 or 4.0 overall GPAs and perfect hair got you feeling down?

When I applied to PA school, I had a cumulative GPA of 2.9, a result, probably like many of you reading this, of some early misguidance and misdirection. I got my act together in the second half of my undergraduate career, finishing on the Dean’s list with a 3.8 GPA. But my overall GPA never fully recovered and was lower than the 3.0 minimum of the PA school where I was accepted.

The good news is that many PA schools realized that undergraduate GPA might not be a good predictor of PA school success. To attract well-rounded, qualified candidates, they relax their GPA requirements with this goal in mind.

Below are PA schools that currently require less than 3.0 overall GPA minimum or have no overall GPA requirement.

Physician Assistant Programs That Accept Overall/Cumulative GPA of Less Than 3.0 or Have No Minimum GPA Requirement

1. Arcadia University Physician Assistant Program – Glenside Pennsylvania
2. Baldwin Wallace University Physician Assistant Program
3. Brenau University Physician Assistant Program
4. Bryant University Physician Assistant Program
5. Des Moines University Physician Assistant Program
6. Emory & Henry College Physician Assistant Program
7. Interservice Physician Assistant Program
8. Keiser University Physician Assistant Program
9. Lincoln Memorial University Physician Assistant Program
10. Long Island University Physician Assistant Program
11. Missouri State University Physician Assistant Program
12. Northwestern University Physician Assistant Program
13. Rocky Vista University Physician Assistant Program
14. Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine Physician Assistant Program
15. Samuel Merritt University Physician Assistant Program
16. South College – Nashville Physician Assistant Program
17. South College Physician Assistant Program
18. South College-Atlanta Physician Assistant Program
19. South College-Knoxville Physician Assistant Program
20. Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center Physician Assistant Program
21. The CUNY School of Medicine Physician Assistant Program
22. Touro University-Nassau University Medical Center Physician Assistant Program
23. University of Dubuque Physician Assistant Program
24. University of Kentucky-Lexington Physician Assistant Program
25. University of Kentucky-Morehead Physician Assistant Program
26. University of Nevada Reno Physician Assistant Program
27. University of North Dakota Physician Assistant Program
28. University of Oklahoma-Oklahoma City Physician Assistant Program
29. University of the Cumberlands-Williamsburg Physician Assistant Program
30. University of Utah Physician Assistant Program
31. University of Utah-St. George Physician Assistant Program
32. Yale School of Medicine Physician Assistant Online Program Physician Assistant Program

You can browse through all current PA programs with low GPA requirements or use our PA school Match tools to sort by GPA along with various additional requirements.

The post Low GPA? Here are 32 PA Programs Requiring 3.0 Overall GPA or Less appeared first on PA School Finder: Physician Assistant Program Directory.

The PA-CAT measures general academic ability and scientific knowledge necessary for success in the demanding Physician Assistant curriculum. The PA-CAT has been developed specifically for use by PA educators and admissions experts as part of a holistic admissions process.

Facts About the PA-CAT

• A 240-item assessment covering 9 science subject areas
• Field-tested with over 1700 examinees at 36 PA programs
• Available May of 2020 at over 5,000 Prometric testing centers
• Cost: $228 (includes the test center fee for standard administration)
• Includes free study resources including 8 subject-specific practice exams and PA Pre-Matriculation Course

Physician Assistant Programs Requiring the PA-CAT

As of September 2020, there are ten physician assistant programs requiring the PA-CAT as part of their admission criteria.

1. AdventHealth University Sciences Physician Assistant (PA) Program
2. Central Michigan University Physician Assistant Program
3. College of Saint Scholastica Physician Assistant Program
4. Hardin-Simmons University Physician Assistant Program
5. Harding University Physician Assistant Program
6. Miami-Dade College Physician Assistant Program
7. Pfeiffer University Physician Assistant Program
8. Stephens College Physician Assistant Program
9. Theil College Physician Assistant Program
10. Wake Forest University-Boone Physician Assistant Program

Click here to sort by PA program PA-CAT requirements.

Why do we need the PA-CAT?

Along with a burgeoning clinician demand for PAs, there is an even more significant burden placed on PA academic programs to recognize those individuals best prepared for the rigors of a graduate PA program.

It is, therefore, increasingly important that academic institutions can identify student characteristics associated with success in PA school.

Despite a rigorous screening process, PA programs still experience a 5.2% attrition rate (the percent of students forced to drop out). Developing a screening standard will help PA programs find students able to complete the program and provide students with a fair and equitable metric by which to gauge their competencies.

I have written before about my feelings regarding the PA-CAT and its utility in predicting PA school success.  Yet, despite strong evidence that standardized exams such as the GRE have been determined inadequate and inconsistent predictive measures of PA school success. I predict by this time next year, the list above will have likely doubled.

The post 10 Physician Assistant Programs that Require the PA-CAT appeared first on PA School Finder: Physician Assistant Program Directory.